This is about cricket and how it is part of my world.

With cricket being a national sport in South Africa, it was all around me from a young age. It was on TV, on posters in my home, spoken about a family events, but the main source of my cricket was played in the streets. It was one of those games where all could play with everyone given equal chance to shine amongst the kids on the block. I really enjoyed that cricket was more than just hitting a ball. It was about speed, accuracy, throwing, catching, power…it made me feel like I could do anything well. Ofcourse, this reinforced my belief that I was a superhero.

What really set me on the path to playing cricket with a hardball was not really the stuff of legends – but close enough. I was 9 years old and was asked by my friends to play with them. They were both aged 14 and what I didn’t realise is that they wanted me to play fetch while they were hitting balls for fun – needless to say I still enjoyed it. Then it happened…

Standing over 50 metres away, one of them hit a massive sweep in the air. I had to run really far to my right and somehow, I managed to dive and catch it sweetly with one hand – which I only realised after opening my eyes. We were all in disbelief. They asked me to come with them to their club cricket practice and I haven’t looked back. Word went around of my spectacular catch. Friends and family started calling me ‘Jonty’ after arguably South Africa’s best known fielder, Jonty Rhodes. Being called by the name of a really good player made me believe I was good as well. I managed to walk away with the best fielder award that season for the club’s under 10s – my stage was set.

It has been a combination of the environment, my ability, my enjoyment and being at the right place at the right time that has made playing cricket an easy path for me to follow. I do enjoy playing other sports, particularly soccer…but cricket seems to have a deeper connection with me. I believe it had everything to do with that catch.

There are turning points in our lives that seem insignificant, yet they can shape your entire future. There are times I wish I didn’t take that catch (will cover this in another post) but most of the time, I am really glad I did.

I have been thinking about doing this for quite some time. Today, I have finally beaten my lazy-self to start what I hope is beneficial to both you and me. I have been playing cricket since the age of 10…not missing one summer. I figured it was time I share what I have learned from cricket over the past 14 years and what I continue to learn from here onwards.

I have seen many sides to the gentleman’s game and I hope to share my journey with you. Some of the topics I will cover will range from the technical side of cricket, to being a captain, being an administrator, and being a fan of the game. I will also provide weekly updates on the progress of the league games we play as I look to attain my goals and dreams as a club cricketer.

I believe some of the lessons I have learned can be drawn from any passion one pursues. I look forward to finding common ground with you. So sit back, relax and I hope you enjoy the ride!

‘A cricketer’s life is a life of splendid freedom, healthy effort, endless variety, and delightful good fellowship.’ – W.G. Grace